Many Filipinos dream of studying abroad but are held back by the IELTS requirement. The good news? Dozens of countries offer fully funded scholarships for Filipinos without IELTS — covering tuition, living allowance, airfare, and more.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the top scholarships, how to apply, and which countries accept Filipino students without IELTS.
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Why Choose “No IELTS” Scholarships?
Contents
- 1 Why Choose “No IELTS” Scholarships?
- 2 Top Countries Offering Scholarships to Filipinos Without IELTS
- 3 1. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
- 4 2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- 5 3. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
- 6 4. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- 7 5. Türkiye Scholarships
- 8 How to Apply for No IELTS Scholarships
- 9 Tips to Increase Chances
- 10 Related Scholarships on CHEDScholarships.org
- 11 Conclusion
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Save money – IELTS exams cost ₱12,000+ in the Philippines.
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Less stress – You don’t need months of preparation.
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Faster application – Apply directly with your English proficiency from school.
Top Countries Offering Scholarships to Filipinos Without IELTS
| Country | Popular Scholarships | Tuition Coverage | Living Allowance | IELTS Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | MEXT Scholarship | 100% | ¥117,000/month | No |
| South Korea | GKS Scholarship | 100% | ₩900,000/month | No |
| Hungary | Stipendium Hungaricum | 100% | €120/month | No |
| Malaysia | MIS Scholarship | 100% | RM1,500/month | No |
| Turkey | Türkiye Bursları | 100% | ₺1,600/month | No |
1. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
One of the most generous scholarships in the world.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly allowance: ¥117,000
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Free airfare to and from Japan
Eligibility:
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Filipino citizen
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High school graduate (undergrad) or college graduate (postgrad)
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English as medium of instruction (MOI) in previous studies
How to Apply:
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Download the forms.
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Submit application via embassy.
2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Offered by the South Korean government.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend ₩900,000
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Airfare and settlement allowance
Eligibility:
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Filipino citizen
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No Korean language requirement at application
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IELTS not required if English is MOI
Application:
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Through Korean embassy or partner universities.
🔗 Official GKS Site
3. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Perfect for Filipinos looking for Europe study options.
Benefits:
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Free tuition
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Monthly €120 living allowance
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Free dormitory accommodation
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Medical insurance
Application Steps:
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Apply online at Stipendium Hungaricum Portal
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Choose a partner university in Hungary.
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Submit documents showing English MOI.
4. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Malaysia is a top pick for Filipinos due to proximity and low cost of living.
Benefits:
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100% tuition coverage
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Monthly RM1,500 allowance
Eligibility:
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Bachelor’s or master’s degree holder
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English-medium education history
5. Türkiye Scholarships
Funded by the Turkish government.
Benefits:
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Full tuition + monthly ₺1,600
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Accommodation and health insurance
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One-year free Turkish language course
Application:
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Directly via Türkiye Scholarships Website
How to Apply for No IELTS Scholarships
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Identify the scholarship and check eligibility.
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Prepare proof of English as Medium of Instruction (MOI).
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Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and passport.
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Apply via official websites or embassies.
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Prepare for an interview (if required).
Tips to Increase Chances
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Maintain high grades.
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Join extracurricular activities to boost your profile.
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Write a strong personal statement showing your passion.
Related Scholarships on CHEDScholarships.org
Conclusion
Studying abroad without IELTS is possible for Filipinos — and with the right scholarship, it can be completely free. These opportunities are competitive, so apply early and prepare your documents carefully.